A small island called Bungin Island is in Alas District, Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province. Dubbed the “Most Populous Island in the World”, Bungin Island accommodates around 3,500 people in an area of 8.5 hectares. The population density reaches 14,000 people per square kilometer. Bungin Island has around 700 households (HH). On average, each HH is inhabited by 3.59 people. The number of houses recorded on Bungin Island is 970 houses.

Following the comprehensive survey conducted in Bungin Island on societal and gender dynamics, the data collected sheds light on various aspects of community life, including economic activities and job distribution. The following table provides a breakdown of job distribution within the community, offering insights into the diverse roles and responsibilities undertaken by residents. This data serves as a valuable resource for understanding the socio-economic landscape of Bungin Island, and informs targeted interventions aimed at promoting equitable opportunities and sustainable development within the community.

This table illustrates the diverse array of occupations undertaken by members of the Bungin Island community, highlighting the significance of fishing and farming as primary sources of livelihood, alongside emerging opportunities in handicrafts. Through targeted interventions and support mechanisms, efforts can be directed towards enhancing job opportunities and fostering economic resilience within the community, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all residents.
The community’s primary source of income stems from fishing expeditions, scheduled three times a month, with each trip involving ten crew members. The crew endeavors to achieve a minimum catch of 2 tons of fish per trip, with the potential to reel in up to 6 tons, depending on various factors. This consistent fishing schedule ensures a steady flow of income for the islanders, bolstering their financial resources and supporting their households. The following provides an overview of the community’s spending for one trip:

• Diesel Oil Rp. 2.000.000
• Food for 10 crew Rp. 3.500.000-4.000.000
• Ice blocks 1.800.000-2.700.000
• Tools and materials for catch the fish 1.000.000-2.000.000

In Bungin Island, a pressing challenge faced by local fishermen is the shortage of ice, crucial for preserving their catch during fishing expeditions. With the island’s limited access to ice suppliers and the high demand during peak fishing seasons, fishermen often find themselves grappling with insufficient supplies to adequately chill their hauls. This scarcity not only compromises the quality and freshness of the fish but also presents logistical hurdles in transporting the catch to market. Consequently, fishermen are compelled to explore alternative methods of preservation or incur additional costs to procure ice from distant sources, further straining their already modest incomes. From the survey that has been done, the ice price in Bungin Island for :

In an attempt to address the ice shortage issue, residents of Bungin Island have resorted to makeshift solutions, utilizing simple refrigerators to produce ice. These rudimentary refrigeration units, operating at 157 watts, serve as a makeshift alternative to conventional ice production methods. While this grassroots initiative demonstrates the community’s resilience and resourcefulness, the limited capacity of these homemade refrigerators falls short of meeting the substantial demand for ice within the village. Consequently, local fishermen continue to grapple with inadequate preservation facilities, hindering their ability to effectively chill and transport their catch to market.